Kingdoms 2012?

[Hive]

I will be happy if they at least continue the 'historic' theme in some other manner. With both Pirates and Castle down, there isn't much left. They could of course revisit the Europa theme, which is like Castle sets in the era of Pirates, and will make everyone happy. Or they could revisit the Western, Ninja or Viking sets, or try something new like Roman or Greek.

I would personally really love if they finally brought out the Europa theme, as it's basically a combination of my two favourite LEGO themes: Castle and Pirates. I've often considered throwing together my sets from both themes for a singular display, using pretty much all buildings (with minor modifications to some Castle buildings) and ships from both themes, all minifigs from Pirates and the civilian (and king) minifigs from Castle.

I really don't see them doing another Ninja line as long as they have Ninjago, which seems to be a HUGE seller for them. Western, in spite of having some charm, doesn't interest me the least bit and I really think they, for the most part, blew it with the last Vikings line. Roman or, probably more likely, Greek themes could work. I could definately see them doing Ancient Greece with mythological creatures, sort of as a combination of Fantasy Castle and Atlantis. And they already have new interesting molds to use, like the Greek soldier and the minotaur. I doubt I'll personally collect anything but Castle or Pirates (or Europa!) myself though.

[Artifex]

Quick because I have to grab lunch: I'd LOVE if Europa becomes the next Castle/Kingdoms/Pirates theme when these themes come back (sometime after LotR). :thumbup:

[Zeya]

For the horse possibility issue, I bet there will be a new horse mold with movable legs. I think this because we have already seen a new bear for the City forest sub theme, and the bear has movable legs. And that's pretty final - we've seen high-res photos of that (maybe someone has even done a review at this point?) So if there's a bear with movable legs, it stands to reason they might be giving horses that treatment too.

And if that's the case, I wonder what it means for horse barding? Will the old bardings fit on the new horses?

[The_Cook]

For the horse possibility issue, I bet there will be a new horse mold with movable legs. I think this because we have already seen a new bear for the City forest sub theme, and the bear has movable legs. And that's pretty final - we've seen high-res photos of that (maybe someone has even done a review at this point?) So if there's a bear with movable legs, it stands to reason they might be giving horses that treatment too.

And if that's the case, I wonder what it means for horse barding? Will the old bardings fit on the new horses?

I don't mean to rain on anyones parade but the amount of hypebole associated with the LOTR announcement is getting silly. Just because posable legs have been done with a bear it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be done with a horse. It all comes down to the budget that the designers have available to them, it doesn't necessarily stand to reason that they'll develop new moulds for horses. My suspicion is that a large proportion of their budget will have been spent on the minifigs given the sizeable variety of them in the LOTR theme. Studying the leaked photo's fairly carefully shows nothing new in the construction of the sets, someone counting the bricks could easily assemble them if they tried hard enough. Most of discussions on the forums are pure speculation based on the computer generated posters (or computer manipulated photo's) that Lego have released, naybe some of the minifigs will come with new props but, again, just because it's in some computer generated image doesn't mean it will be available in ABS.

A little calm would be appreciated in the non-LOTR threads.

Back on topic, I managed to pick up a MVR half price in my local North West London toyshop, which restores some of the karma for having to pay slightly over the RRP for an MVR, a Tower Rescue and some Blacksmiths Attacks a fortnight ago as the obvious stockists dried up. They have a reasonable stock of Carriage Rescues and Blacksmith Attacks at RRP which I might have to go back for at some point. I also notice that on S@H if you enter 10193 into search bar it still save MMV is in stock (UK at least), I wonder if this is because there is a different end-of-line mechanism for the exclusive sets of which MMV is.

[Piranha]

I don't mean to rain on anyones parade but the amount of hypebole associated with the LOTR announcement is getting silly. Just because posable legs have been done with a bear it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be done with a horse. It all comes down to the budget that the designers have available to them, it doesn't necessarily stand to reason that they'll develop new moulds for horses. My suspicion is that a large proportion of their budget will have been spent on the minifigs given the sizeable variety of them in the LOTR theme. Studying the leaked photo's fairly carefully shows nothing new in the construction of the sets, someone counting the bricks could easily assemble them if they tried hard enough. Most of discussions on the forums are pure speculation based on the computer generated posters (or computer manipulated photo's) that Lego have released, naybe some of the minifigs will come with new props but, again, just because it's in some computer generated image doesn't mean it will be available in ABS.

First welcome to Eurobricks

I also thought of the bear like Zeya (Polar bear had just a moveable head like the horse does now) while the Grizzly you can move the legs. I would say that is a partial indication because they have done it with other large animal type molds.

I don't spot many new bricks either and as we know each license theme gets quite a few new parts, POTC brought over 10 I think besides the figs themselves. So that is another good indication.

Finally TLG has never done this before if it is just simply a CGI manipulated image, that would be unfair to portray a horse charging only to get a standard horse in the set, something I think they wouldn't dare to do.

But at least one thing is certain a new color being tan for a horse

Edited January 11, 2012 by Macoco

[AndyC]

A horse would require a lot more articulation than the bear to be reasonably posable, I just don't think it's a likely option. Coupled with the fact many of the horses are the classic one and I can't see TLG mixing fully posable horses with the unposable one, it'd be either one or the other. I think a horse molded with different leg arrangements is far more plausible and would be fully compatible with existing barding etc.

[Haltiamieli]

I also thought of the bear like Zeya (Polar bear had just a moveable head like the horse does now) while the Grizzly you can move the legs. I would say that is a partial indication because they have done it with other large animal type molds.

I don't think the bear is that good a comparison, as the animal has a bit different physics than horses do - it's easier to add the movable legs to the side of the body. When it comes to the horse mold, it would still have to be only two bricks wide and legs attached to the side would look somewhat strange. I don't think it's impossible, but I see it as improbable.

I still haven't found Kingdoms sets in any recent sales. On a weak moment I even considered a half-priced Star Wars set for pieces and to resell the figs, but then again I better save my money for something more worthwhile (for me, that is). There's at least one shop I frequent that still has several MVRs in their shelf, maybe they will be discounted some day.

[Piranha]

A horse would require a lot more articulation than the bear to be reasonably posable, I just don't think it's a likely option. Coupled with the fact many of the horses are the classic one and I can't see TLG mixing fully posable horses with the unposable one, it'd be either one or the other. I think a horse molded with different leg arrangements is far more plausible and would be fully compatible with existing barding etc.

I am leaning this way as well.

[ihira]

disappointed the Dragon Knights didn't get a full size castle nor a 'leader' type minifig like the Evil wizard/Troll King in Fantasy Era.

Their faction seems a bit lacking.

Instead they get TWO medium prison sets? I don't get it but oh well at least the smaller prison comes with a Dragon print horse barding.

[TeufelHund]

disappointed the Dragon Knights didn't get a full size castle nor a 'leader' type minifig like the Evil wizard/Troll King in Fantasy Era.

Their faction seems a bit lacking.

Instead they get TWO medium prison sets? I don't get it but oh well at least the smaller prison comes with a Dragon print horse barding.

Don't forget their mobile prison wagon! Perhaps the Dragon Knights made their living ransoming captives?

Also, according to the DK Kingdoms early reader book the impulse Wizard is the leader of the Dragon Knights.

I'm actually wandering if it would be a good idea to go and buy a few copies of the last Kingdoms' line while they're on clearance: they were a pretty limited run, only being on shelves for 6 months and with LOTOR/Hobbit likely lasting 4+ waves it will be a while before regular Castle sets will be produced again. Plus a set like MVR with lots of unique figures and animals will likely be in high demand...hmmm...

[Piranha]

Don't forget their mobile prison wagon! Perhaps the Dragon Knights made their living ransoming captives?

Also, according to the DK Kingdoms early reader book the impulse Wizard is the leader of the Dragon Knights.

I'm actually wandering if it would be a good idea to go and buy a few copies of the last Kingdoms' line while they're on clearance: they were a pretty limited run, only being on shelves for 6 months and with LOTOR/Hobbit likely lasting 4+ waves it will be a while before regular Castle sets will be produced again. Plus a set like MVR with lots of unique figures and animals will likely be in high demand...hmmm...

there is no indication or proof yet of even more than 2 waves.

[TeufelHund]

there is no indication or proof yet of even more than 2 waves.

Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey release Xmas 2012

Hobbit: There and Back Again release Xmas 2013

We know there is a first LOTR wave coming mid-year, and there will clearly by a Hobbit related wave towards Xmas.

Logic would dictate there will be at a minimum another LOTR wave in mid-2013 and then another Hobbit wave to tie in with the second film.

Even if the line flops (which it won't), Lego may be contractually obliged to release subsequent waves to the first two.

[Sir_Basil_Ashton]

With the photos we have of the sets being "preliminary", I find it funny how worked up some people are getting and treating these photos as if they're definitive/final. I just don't see the point in wasting the energy complaining when nothing is official yet. Once we get and see the official details and photos, then we can all have at it.

[Piranha]

With the photos we have of the sets being "preliminary", I find it funny how worked up some people are getting and treating these photos as if they're definitive/final. I just don't see the point in wasting the energy complaining when nothing is official yet. Once we get and see the official details and photos, then we can all have at it.

true but they are close to final, an example is the SW prelims from the summer for the January Wave they were all close to final except figs.

[Nicker]

With the photos we have of the sets being "preliminary", I find it funny how worked up some people are getting and treating these photos as if they're definitive/final. I just don't see the point in wasting the energy complaining when nothing is official yet. Once we get and see the official details and photos, then we can all have at it.

From what I've seen int he past there are very few if any changes from the preliminary versions to final versions. Most of the LOTR prelim images will most likely end up being final box art.

[Vindicare]

Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey release Xmas 2012

Hobbit: There and Back Again release Xmas 2013

We know there is a first LOTR wave coming mid-year, and there will clearly by a Hobbit related wave towards Xmas.

Logic would dictate there will be at a minimum another LOTR wave in mid-2013 and then another Hobbit wave to tie in with the second film.

Even if the line flops (which it won't), Lego may be contractually obliged to release subsequent waves to the first two.

I love it how so many people are swinging from the lower region of this theme. Some thinking it's going to last forever and bring down SW as king of themes.

I have no real opinion of it's longevity or the sets. The pictures aren't good enough to really see any details, anyways. We all know the bread and butter of this theme will be it's figs. Look at all the people who went ape sh!t over the Elf CMF. I plan on buying at least buying some of the sets. Ideally, I'd like to have the main characters. But, that remains to be seen when grogall finally hands o er those HD pictures he's hoarding

[Artanis I]

Look at all the people who went ape sh!t over the Elf CMF.

ugh, remember all the people who claimed it was proof there was going to be an elf faction...

and the people who claimed the forestman was proof there was going to be a new theme of them...

and the blacktron logos on the SP3 and space pirate figures were proof of an imminent blacktron 3 release...

[David Thomsen]

ugh, remember all the people who claimed it was proof there was going to be an elf faction...

and the people who claimed the forestman was proof there was going to be a new theme of them...

and the blacktron logos on the SP3 and space pirate figures were proof of an imminent blacktron 3 release...

It should be clear by now that they only choose minifigs for the CMF series if they know they won't be bringing the theme back any time soon. Forestmen, Western, Vikings...

This is why I take comfort in the fact that still haven't released any CMF Pirates yet after six or seven series. It doesn't prove that Pirates will be returning, but it does indicate that they aren't definitively gone.

[Artanis I]

It should be clear by now that they only choose minifigs for the CMF series if they know they won't be bringing the theme back any time soon. Forestmen, Western, Vikings...

This is why I take comfort in the fact that still haven't released any CMF Pirates yet after six or seven series. It doesn't prove that Pirates will be returning, but it does indicate that they aren't definitively gone.

Except that the Ninjago, Pharaoh's Quest & Monster Fighters themes might debunk your theory too.

Oh, yes, and the biggest one I forgot: "The Black Falcons are definitely going to be the next Kingdoms faction coming out this year, proven because there's one in the Joust set." NOTHING OF THE SORT PROVES ANYTHING!!! Anything is possible, but not everything is probable.

[Vindicare]

ugh, remember all the people who claimed it was proof there was going to be an elf faction...

and the people who claimed the forestman was proof there was going to be a new theme of them...

and the blacktron logos on the SP3 and space pirate figures were proof of an imminent blacktron 3 release...

Except that the Ninjago, Pharaoh's Quest & Monster Fighters themes might debunk your theory too.

Oh, yes, and the biggest one I forgot: "The Black Falcons are definitely going to be the next Kingdoms faction coming out this year, proven because there's one in the Joust set." NOTHING OF THE SORT PROVES ANYTHING!!! Anything is possible, but not everything is probable.

Yeah, I find it pretty funny all the theories that come to be here. I like, and used to somewhat believe, in the "hint" modular one.

[Piranha]

Except that the Ninjago, Pharaoh's Quest & Monster Fighters themes might debunk your theory too.

Oh, yes, and the biggest one I forgot: "The Black Falcons are definitely going to be the next Kingdoms faction coming out this year, proven because there's one in the Joust set." NOTHING OF THE SORT PROVES ANYTHING!!! Anything is possible, but not everything is probable.

Nah TLG just likes messing with us.

Reading too deeply into things but I think they try and encourage that

[David Thomsen]

Except that the Ninjago, Pharaoh's Quest & Monster Fighters themes might debunk your theory too.

Yeah but... it's more complicated than that.

[The_Cook]

Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey release Xmas 2012

Hobbit: There and Back Again release Xmas 2013

We know there is a first LOTR wave coming mid-year, and there will clearly by a Hobbit related wave towards Xmas.

Logic would dictate there will be at a minimum another LOTR wave in mid-2013 and then another Hobbit wave to tie in with the second film.

Even if the line flops (which it won't), Lego may be contractually obliged to release subsequent waves to the first two.

The line won't flop, there's too much marketing behind The Hobbit movie for any associated merchandising to flop. You only have to see the apoplectic fits that people are getting into on the forums to know that it will do well. With two movies behind it parents will buy sets for their children, which is the market that TLG aim to capture. With two movies being released it's unlikely that we'll see a return to non-licensed castle theme for some years. When we do it's unlikely to be existing factions but entirely new ones that TLG dream up.

SW keeps going as a theme because George Lucas is continually releasing new intellectual property around the franchise, ie. Clone Wars, which keeps it in the forefront of kids minds who pester their parents who buy Lego to keep them quiet. Harry Potter could have wave after wave because the movies kept coming out, now that they're done we'll probably see this line fade away within 12 months. Indianna Jones and PoTC both caught the last of 4 movies, if they'd been on-board (pun intended) by the 2nd movie then there would have many more waves of releases than there were, as it was they did a bit from the previous movies in the first wave and the current movies in the second wave. My suspicion being that the Lego Designers don't get to see the movie significantly earlier than the rest of us therefore they can't finalise the sets until the movie has been released.

LOTR will keep going as long as the movies are in the cinemas then it will tail off. For non-licensed castle fans the doomsday scenario would be a kids cartoon of the Simarillion that rolls on for years and keeps the theme alive, flip-side is that for LOTR fans that would be perfect and would allow them to bulk out their hobbit armies. (If it comes to mass combat in the historic forums I'm backing the Black Falcon's they'll beat the Hobbits hands down! Yellow smiley faces and dark grey swords beat fleshy shortness anyday ;-) )

[sharky]

Yeah but... it's more complicated than that.

Certainly, but I think that when brainstorming ideas some ideas for minifigures get knocked around and end up as a CMF. For example, the beach themed CMFs (Surfer girl) could go with the recent Marina set. The Lumberjack from Series 5 might have been thought up when creating the City Forest sub-theme. Perhaps they didn't want to make an entire set involving the lumberjack, but thought it a good idea and threw it into the mix of CMFs. I have a similar feeling towards the Haz Mat guy and Classic Alien. Maybe they were ideas thrown around during brainstorming of Alien Conquest but never made it into the sub-theme for whatever reason. Seems logical.

[Haltiamieli]

Certainly, but I think that when brainstorming ideas some ideas for minifigures get knocked around and end up as a CMF. For example, the beach themed CMFs (Surfer girl) could go with the recent Marina set. The Lumberjack from Series 5 might have been thought up when creating the City Forest sub-theme. Perhaps they didn't want to make an entire set involving the lumberjack, but thought it a good idea and threw it into the mix of CMFs. I have a similar feeling towards the Haz Mat guy and Classic Alien. Maybe they were ideas thrown around during brainstorming of Alien Conquest but never made it into the sub-theme for whatever reason. Seems logical.

Dunno, all of the figures you mention are also quite understandable choices just as standalone figures. I think it's not worth it to try figure any logic or reasoning behind the CMF choices - there's too many variables and too many ways they could have arrived to same conclusions.

But admittedly I have wondered why there has still been not a single pirate-themed CMF. It does seem strange. I bet fifty bley 1x2 bricks there's gonna be one in Series 8.